Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Mears? Equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Great place in the northern Michigan forest. They have activities planned or you can bring your ATV toys and hit the trails. There's a pond for swimming and fishing. Cell reception is very limited but, you can get WiFi at the store.
The White River runs through this area and there are several campgrounds and boat launches associated with the river. The White River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area has several acres of habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less). Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more). As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests.
The Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground were developed for the horse enthusiasts, who enjoy riding through a forested quiet trail system. The Marzinski Horse Camp serves as the primary access location for the 18 miles of horse trail.__
The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only. They are designed for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead. Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system clean. ___Pack it in, pack it out.___ Horse riders are asked not to access the Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when crossing adjacent county and forest roads.
The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only. They are designed for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead. Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system clean. ___Pack it in, pack it out.___ Horse riders are asked not to access the Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when crossing adjacent county and forest roads.
The campground is located in a white pine stand and offers quiet and privacy between camp sites. The Marzinski Horse Trail passes through mostly mixed pine with some hardwood vegetation types. Topography is mostly flat forested land with some small openings.
Sand Lake Recreation Area Udell Rollways Day Use and Disc Golf Course Pine Lake Campground
Hungerford Lake Recreation Area The Hungerford Recreation Area is a nonmotorized area consisting of over 6,500 acres of National Forest System lands. The area provides opportunities to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, horseback ride, mountain bike and enjoy the National Forests. The horseback riding and mountian biking trails are two seperate trails. The two trails cross each other at several locations, but "You Are Here" maps are located at trail junctions to aid in navigation. The trail is marked with blue diamonds for the mountain bike trail with a bike symbol and blue diamonds with horses for the horse trail. Boat Launch/Lake campsites - The 30-acre lake offers a variety of fishing and boating opportunities. There are two campsites near the lake. Horses are not permitted in this area or in the lake. This site is particularly scenic during the fall. There is mixed federal and private ownership around the lake. Family Campground - The horse trail and mountain bike connector trails located in the campground. The horseback trail connector trail is located near the group site. The trail camp is very popular during the summer with horseback trail riders. The loop campground is nestled in among a variety of leafy green tress. Horseback Riding - There are over 40-miles of premier horse trails in the Hungerford Recreation Area. Mountain Biking - There are two-loops for mountain bikes, creating a 10-mile trail. Scenary and Topgraphy - The trails go through heavily forested areas of oak, maple, aspen, and red and white pine. At times riders will cross or utilize roads. Parts of the trails are suitable for less experienced riders, while other segments offer a more experienced riding opportunity. The topography ranges from hilly to very hilly. Riders will experience a range in scenery as they ride through the heavily forested areas and into open fields and meadows. Brochure with map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. Flickr Photo Album
The Hungerford Recreation Area offers access to over 50 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. The horse trails connect to the group campsite. There are a few small lakes located nearby, including, Hungerford Lake, Toogood Lake and Mud Lake.
Forty-seven plus miles of horseback riding trails and 10 miles of mountain biking trails make the campground an ideal place for both equestrian campers and outdoors enthusiasts. Hungerford Lake is located a half mile south of the Hungerford Family Campground and one and a quarter miles south of the Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite. The area offers fishing and boating opportunities. Horses are not allowed in or around the lake area, but visitors interested in fishing are welcome to cast for bass, pike and pan fish. There is a boat ramp located at the lake.
The campground is perched along lightly rolling hills in the Manistee National Forest. It is about a mile north of Hungerford Lake and the 48 site Hungerford Campground. The lake spans 30 acres and is a favorite spot to see fall colors. The Manistee National Forest comprises 540,000 acres and meets the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.
Visit the city of Big Rapids, Michigan, or the Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary. Benton, Indian, Brush, and Shelley lakes are also nearby.
Cancellations will not be accepted within 7 days of scheduled date of arrival.
$75 / night
Traveler
Was a quiet. Simple.. Just with nature...Site was clean, across street you can buy firewood ...Was a pleasant 2 night's....From site to the nearest store 15-20 min away..If needed...Had no issues...Be back Thanksgiving 2024..
Traveler
This is the White River special area of the Manistee National Forest. While there are numbered campsites, there are no facilities or amenities. This is more suitable for tents or maybe small campers. Best access seems to be along 160th avenue south of Arthur road. The road seems a bit sketchy but should be okay for most vehicles. We explored the area while camping at nearby Pines Point campground.
ScoutRun down campground with rude disrespectful owner. We were attacked over something that was so trivial...a few hoof prints by our trailer where we we told to park. Horses did not dig or paw. She drove up to us and complained that they tore up her grass, which wasn't true. There was no grass to begin with, it was moss. Our ponied stood quietly tied to trailer as we saddled up and then when we came back from our rife and unsaddled. We were with them the entire time....it was a short day ride with a friend who was camping there. Woman never asked or told us to picket. Normal function for horseman is to ride from trailer. I Just couldn't believe it. Told woman we understood and would be leaving and wouldn't be back. She kept running her mouth. I told her to drop it and that again, we would leave and would not be back. Kept running her mouth, and Id had enough and told her to shut up.
TravelerSpacious campsites with good visible/verizon service. We did not get service with T-Mobile. It has a pit toilet, fire pits, and picnic tables. Check out our review at Abe and Mel Van Travels.
ScoutFriendly staff, made us feel comfortable being first timers camping. Very helpful!! Can’t wait to come back!
GuideThere are dispersed options as well as docked site. It’s in a forest, so bring a compass if you plan to do some hiking.
TravelerI only spent a night here while passing through, but it's a very nice campground that's specifically suited to equestrians. This established and well maintained campground is free, and you can stay up to two weeks. There's a well kept pit toilet, 21 established campsites w/ firerings, and even a water pump (meant for horses.) Only a few other campers on a Wednesday night, including some people with horses, and all have been friendly. The campsites are all flat and quite large, being that they are meant to accommodate people with a horse trailer, and there are numerous hitching posts throughout the campground. A great place overall.
GuideSo this place is awesome, big time. There’s picnic tables, fire rings, water available, a well maintained pit toilet, and 21 sites! The pine trees are amazing and the road in was super accessible. 20 min to town to restock with plenty of gas stations on the way.
TravelerWe stayed here in our van and it was just what we needed. I wish we had a place to dump our grey water, but otherwise it was an easy drive in and had fresh water.
GuideGeneral store ,fuel on site small lake, park has a hilly layout. New showers in camping area, meeting area at club house host are excellent.
Guide
Dispersed camping and camp sites available. There are horse staging areas and hiking trails. The lake is nice, small enough for a kayak/ no motor boat, nice.
Scout
Some fun things for kids. Great pool, never seen a better pool at a camp ground comparable. Horseback riding was fun too. Campground I found to be tight, and it was hard to know where your site ended and other began. Water and electric ports were shared on one site so other campers were constantly on our site hooking up and adjusting. Maybe it was due to weather but the sites were full of dirt and dust that got everywhere over the weekend. My son loved the pool, but this was not my wife and I’d favorite campsite at all
ScoutI went in November. Most campers were there on the weekend. Pit toilets, a pond, hot showers but shower room unheated, no dump station,nice size lots. A lot of horses and hunters. Price was good for electric and water. Nice for dog walking. Friendly managers. No cell service
GuideThe back 40 campground at the Double JJ has full hookup sites as well as cabins available for rent. There are 2 water parks on the ranch as well as horseback riding and a river to explore.
TravelerNeighbors right on top of you. Dirtbikes n 4 wheelers flying around causing dust n access noise. Premium Sites might be the way to go though.
RangerWe stayed here during their Equestrian Weekends several years in a row, great hosts and large lots make this place a nice hidden gem!
ScoutActivities, trails, fishing, swimming or just relax! One of our family's favorite spots up north.
Horse camping in Michigan offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a perfect getaway for horse enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mears, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mears, MI is Double JJ Resort with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mears, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Mears, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
